Buju Banton: Afrobeats artistes stole Jamaican culture, music without paying respect

Buju Banton has claimed Afrobeats artistes do not pay respect to reggae and dancehall “despite being influenced by the genres”.

In a recent episode of the Drinking Champs podcast, the Jamaican singer argued that Afrobeats lacks depth and fails to address the struggles of Africa despite its global popularity.

The reggae icon also claimed the genre does not spotlight pressing socio-political issues or uplift the African people.

The 51-year-old dancehall legend, who is famous for songs like ‘Untold Stories’, ‘Destiny’, ‘Psalm 23’, and ‘Hills and Valleys’, also accused Afrobeats stars of stealing and disrespecting Jamaican culture.

Buju, who is one of the well-regarded artistes in Jamaican music, listed some of Africa’s greatest musicians and argued that the ones who came after them were not living up to expectations.

“Afrobeats does not give props back to dancehall and reggae. The greatest musicians out of Africa was Fela Kuti and Salif Keita. Now no one wants to go beyond what those brothers were doing,” he said.

“I went to Africa in 1991 and I spent like 3 weeks educating people from Ghana, all over the continent about Reggae music and Dancehall. I was happy when they came to their senses to realize that music is the bridge that is going to connect us but disappointed that they didn’t try to connect with Jamaica, the root. They connected with everyone else except us.

“But when we look at what they are doing now, their music is not freeing Africa, it is f**kery. If I’m all way in Jamaica and my people are fighting to free your continent with word, sound and power and you have the ability now and all you are singing is f**kery.

“You do not sing to free Africa. You want the money, go get it but what is going to be said about you later and your posterity? You did not make any impact.

“So Reggae music still stands prominent, it is still the king’s music. Tell me one Afrobeats song that can uplift us.

“There are a lot of culture vultures out there. We sat and watched Reggaeton taking Reggae music. They have focused on our music and stolen our culture. I’m not knocking anyone but you do not give us no respect and you still expect us to act like we took something from you, this is the king’s music.

“Your music shall come and go because it has nothing to do with soul, building energy. Our music is a time marker because it’s the king’s music.

“But everyone want to take from Reggae, ostracise us, underpay us. Afrobeats is from Africa but influenced by Reggae.”

Afrobeats has been one of Africa’s biggest exports for years. In 2023, the genre enjoyed massive global recognition, with top Nigerian artistes like Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy — among others — gracing the stages of some of the biggest events and occasions worldwide.

But in March, Wizkid sparked heated disputes after he asked the public not to label him an “Afrobeats artiste”.

The ‘Essence’ hitmaker said although he is African, he “makes all sorts of music”. He said referring to every song as Afrobeats is why Nigerian artistes are only nominated in “African categories” of music awards like the Grammys.

Similarly, Burna Boy, in 2022, said his style of music is called Afrofusion, and not Afrobeats as assumed.